MUIS INTRODUCES ENHANCED SCHEME FOR FOREIGN HALAL CERTIFICATION BODIES (FHCB)
Scheme introduced as part of review of FHCB framework
1. As the sole authority for halal certification in Singapore, Muis plays a vital role in the burgeoning Halal food industry with the availability of many Halal-certified eating establishments providing dining options for the community. A key part of this is the availability of imported products and materials which are halal and meet the requirements of Muis’ halal certification standards. Muis is able to ensure this by having a register of recognised foreign halal certifiers, known as Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) from the respective countries exporting those products.
2. Muis’ recognition of FHCB is based on the assessment of their ability in adopting halal standards that are similar or comparable to the Singapore Muis Halal Standards (SMHS). The scheme is implemented to meet the Singapore Muslim Community’s halal consumption needs by ensuring the continued supply of imported halal certified products that are fit for consumption.
3. As part of its periodic review of its policies, processes, technologies and governance, Muis has recently completed an external review of its FHCB recognition framework. For this review, Muis had appointed professional consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Services Pte Ltd, to ensure high standards of review and validation. The review was able to identify many areas which were working well, and also recommended some enhancements to improve the system. Muis has been communicating this to stakeholders and certificate holders, to ensure smooth continuity in the halal certification supply chain as the changes are implemented.
4. Arising from the review, Muis has developed new and enhanced procedures that will strengthen the administration of the scheme. This will be done in tandem with other revisions that will further strengthen Muis’ governance of the enhanced scheme.
5. The changes being implemented will provide:
i. Greater transparency on information of listed FHCBs recognised by Muis that will be made accessible via Muis website for easier reference (new)
ii. Assurance on the quality of FHCB providing halal certification services overseas with established criteria & stringent assessment procedure
iii. Better choices of certified halal food products imported overseas by aligning with Singapore’s domestic halal food consumption needs
6. Muis will be implementing the enhanced scheme in two (2) phases, beginning with the Transition Phase: 31 January 2022 – 30 June 2022. During this period, the application for Muis’ recognition will be open to all FHCB under existing Muis-recognised FHCB, as well as Non-Muis-recognised FHCB. Upon approval during the Transition Phase, FHCBs will be granted a temporary recognition of 1-year period until the full implementation of the enhanced scheme in 2023.
7. Muis will continue to adopt a robust recognition process of halal certification performed by registered competent bodies based overseas, to ensure continued public confidence in imported ingredients used by halal certified food establishments and manufacturers in Singapore.
